On Friday the 25 May, 2012 DOT Kenya  was privileged to host David Collins, The High Commissioner of Canada to Kenya, at the Kisumu Rotary Youth Training Centre, in Nyanza. The visit which was organized in conjunction with the Canadian International Development Agency in Kenya- CIDA, aimed at showcasing DOT's ReachUp! program in action and  some of the impact the program has had on the beneficiaries and their communities.

The High Commissioner, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Jacquie Collins and the CIDA Kenya Head of Cooperation, Melanie Boyd attended a highly interactive  half an hour ReachUp! class session, facilitated by Claire Jakoyo, a DOT facilitator. Also in attendance were DOT local partners, Nyakwamba Kajwang', District Youth Officer, Nyanza, Bernard Odhiambo, Coordinator, Impact Research Development Organization and Charles Opiyo from Family Health Options, Kenya.

The key highlight of the visit was the DOT program beneficiary exhibition, which showcased projects and businesses of ten (10) DOT program beneficiaries and facilitators in the wider Nyanza and Western regions. These 10 young people, all below the age of 30 have successfully began small businesses such as cyber cafes, and agri-business through which they earn their livelihoods and support at least more than two members of their households. Melanie Boyd, CIDA's Head of Cooperation was enthusiastic about the long standing partnership between CIDA and DOT, noting that DOT was actually contributing to CIDA's key themes: Children and Youth, Sustainable Economic Growth and Food Security. "It's nice to see that some of the DOT beneficiaries here today are involved in agri-business and as such not only contributing to economic growth, but to food security within their communities, DOT initiative is a wonderful initiative that illustrates the areas which CIDA is focusing on," She said.

In his remarks, The High Commissioner lauded DOT Kenya for the great work the organization is doing in empowering and mentoring young people to embrace entrepreneurship and ICT for better livelihoods.  Particularly he encouraged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities that the DOT ReachUp! program provides.

"To take the middle letter in DOT, it is all about the 'Opportunity' that you have been given, been shown and been mentored... and as young people, it is up to you to seize the opportunity and do something better with your lives and support your families," He emphasized.

DOT Kenya hopes to continuously collaborate with CIDA in empowering more youths to obtain sustainable livelihoods through ICT and Entrepreneurship training.